Knowing Your Triggers VI

 

Nearly three years ago, the New York Times and the Associated Press told readers why they were capitalizing "Black" when it was used as a racial and cultural designator.

I've had a few conversations with folks who objected to the change, most arguing that it appeared to be a step away from equality and toward more divisiveness. "Shouldn't 'white' be capitalized, too?", they asked.

Though I don't necessarily adhere to all of the logic articulated by The Times and the AP, I do follow the practice because, well, why not? I may cavil with their thinking about common cultural heritage uniting all Blacks because many African Americans I know give little thought to the "African" part of that descriptor. And the use of terms like "white privilege" does suggest a cultural unifier that is active in that attitude. 

In the end, capitalizing "Black" seems a small enough gesture of conciliation for centuries of denunciation in the press, a member of which I was for years. I also retain an affinity for the press and think this move was wise and welcome. 

It did occur to me that some folks might view the capitalization of "Black" through the same polarizing lens they saw Martin and Malcolm, that is, Martin was for integration and blending; Malcolm was for nationalism and separation. Capitalization was counter to the efforts by good people to reject differences and find common ground. 

Of course, over time the ideological lines between Martin and Malcom rose and converged. Martin more strident, Malcolm less so.